Relative abundance of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis L.) in waters around Sorong and Fak-Fak, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to estimate relative abundance of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis L.) in the waters around Sorong and Fak-Fak, West Papua, Indonesia by using catch and fishing effort data of commercial pole-and-line fishery. General linear model (GLM) was used for analyzing catch per unit of effort (CPUE) data (as representation of relative abundance) to accommodate the variables and factors affecting the catch. From the results of this study it was revealed that CPUE varied according to year, month, live bait, fishing day, and engine size. In addition, fish aggregating devices (FADs) affected thenCPUE. Relative abundance of skipjack tuna in the waters around Sorong and Fak-Fak decreased from 1985 to 2000 after the FADs were introduced.